Pushbutton operating means for electric switches



y 27, 1953 w. F. NOLDEN ETAL 2,836,666

PUSHBUTTON OPERATING MEANS FOR ELECTRIC SWITCHES Filed May 7, 1956 2Sheets-Sheet 1 III I as" May 1958 w. F. NOLDEN EIAL PUSHBUTTON OPERATINGMEANS FOR ELECTRIC SWITCHES Filed May 7, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 E (m. I

United Stats PUSHBUTTON OPERATING MEANS FDR ELECTRIC SWITCHES 12 Claims.(Cl. 2(l85) This invention relates to improvements in pushbuttonoperating means for electric switches; and the invention relates moreparticularly to a combined latching and releasing mechanism forpushbutton switches of the reciprocating contactor type.

in each form of our invention one pushbutton when depressed is adaptedto effect a given commutation of an electric circuit or circuits-as, forexample, completion thereof-and for automatically maintaining suchcircuit condition; whereas upon subsequent depression of the secondpushbutton the first mentioned pushbutton is automatically returned toits initial position. Thus the first mentioned pushhbutton may beutilized (and marked) as a Start pushbutton, and the second pushbuttonmay be utilized (and marked) as a Stop" pushbutton. A switch operatingmechanism of this general character is disclosed in Robbins Patent No.2,357,972, dated September 12, 1944; and assigned to the assignee ofthis application.

An object of this invention is to improve and simplify the construction,assembly and mode of operation of interlocked pus'hbutton operatingmeans of the aforementioned character.

Another object is to adapt such means for use with improved andsimplified switch mechanisms of the char acter disclosed and claimed inour prior application, Serial No. 574,828, filed March 29, 1956, forimprovements in Electric Switches.

Another object is to provide novel forms of plural pushbutton operatingmechanisms for switches of the socalled maintained contact type.

Another object is to provide such plural pushbutton controlled switchmechanisms wherein upon depression 01' one of the pushbuttons, to effectcircuit control, such pushbutto-n will be maintained in its depressedposition, pending subsequent depression of the second pushbutton, whicheffects automatic return of the first pushbutton to its initialposition.

Another object is to provide such a switch operating mechanism whereinthe second pushbutton, when operated to release the first pushbuttonfrom its depressed position, will itself be maintained in a partiallydepressed position, pending subsequent depression of said firstpushbutton, thus serving as an indicating means.

Another object is to provide means to insure oil-tightness of switchoperating means of the aforementioned character.

Another object is to provide simple mechanical interlocking means for apair of switch operators of the character aforementioned.

Various other objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the following description.

The accompanying drawings (all drawn to one and onehalf times normalscale) illustrate two embodiments of our invention, which will now bedescribed; it being understood that the embodiments illustrated aresusceptible of modification in respect of certain structural detailsthereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by appended claims.

in the drawings, Figure l is a central vertical sectional view (at theleft) of a form of pushbutton operating mechanism like that disclosed inour aforementioned aptent O1 2 plication, Serial No. 574,828; with aswitch housing positioned therebelow and attached thereto, as indicatedin dotted lines; and With a me hanism (at the right) arranged toautomatically provi e for maintaining the lefthand pushbutton indepressed position, pending depression of the right-hand pushbutton toeffect return of the left-hand pushbutton to its normal uppermostposition; it being noted that both pushbutton units are removablymounted within suitably spaced openings provided in a panel or othersuitable support; the pushbuttons and certain other parts of thecomplete assembly being shown in side elevation, and the respectivepositions thereof indicating that the left-hand pushbutton was lastoperated.

Pig. 2 is a bottom plan view of the assembled parts shown in Fig. l, butwith the mounting panel, or the like, and the insulating housing for theswitch mechanism or mechanisms, omitted for clarity of illustration.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the latching means shown at the right-handside of Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view similar to that of Fig. 1; butillustrating a modified form of latching mechanism, to provide forretention of the right-hand pushbutton in a partially depressed positionthereof, after the same has been sutliciently depressed to permit thelefthand pushbutton to return to its normal uppermost position; thusacting as an indicator.

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view, on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4; bothFigs. 4 and 5 showing the positive mechanical linkage connection betweenthe pushbutton actuated plate or element at the right-hand side of Fig.4 and the slide member which acts automatically to retain the right-handpushbutton in the partially depressed position thereof shown in Figs. 4and 5, after a sutficient degree of depression of said right-handpushbutton to permit return of the left-hand pushbutton to its upperextreme position (Fig. 4); and which slide also acts automatically toprovide for return of the right-hand pushbutton to its upper extremeposition upon subsequent depression of the lefthand pushbutton to itsalternative switch operating position, wherein it will be latched by theslide member in the manner illustrated at the left-hand side of Fig. 1;and

6 is a bottom plan view of the additional plate member attached to theright-hand pushbutton, shown in Figs. 4 and 5, whereby the slide member,in the position thereof shown in Fig. 4, cooperates with theaforementioned linkage connections to positively retain the righthandpushbutton in the position illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, pending asufiicient degree of depression of the lefthand pushbutton to permitadditional movement of the slide member toward the left, in Fig. 4.

Referring first to that form of our invention shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3;the numeral 18 designates a panel or similar support, preferably formedof sheet metal. However, any other suitable material, such asinsulation, for example, may be utilized to provide a support for theswitching units, and the operating means therefor. The panel 16 may bemounted in a vertical or a horizontal position, or in any desiredangular position, without affecting the operation of the switchingmechanisms or the operating means therefor as disclosed herein.

Panel 10 is provided with a suitable number of properly spacedsubstantially circular openings, two of which are shown at 11 and 12,respectively, in Fig. 1. In punching out or otherwise forming theopenings 11 and 12 we prefer to provide in the periphery of each of thesame a notch, the respective notches being designated by the numerals 11and 12 in Fig. 1.

The cast metal supporting and guiding members 13, 13 for the pushbuttons14, 14 may be, and preferably are, identical with the correspondingparts shown in said prior application, Serial No. 574,828. Each member13 is provided with an upper substantially cylindrical recess toaccommodate the pushbutton 14, the dome-shaped flexible rubber sealingmember 15, and the coiled compression spring 16 interposed between thecircular head of said pushbutton and the peripheral bottom flange ofsaid sealing member. Each member 13 is likewise provided with a lowercylindrical recess 17, to accommodate the movements of the metal rod 14attached to pushbutton 14, as well as the punched and stamped metalplate 18 permanently attached to rod 14 said plate 13 being restrainedagainst rotation within its recess 17 by means of a pair of oppositeinwardly projecting guide lugs, one of which is shown at 17 in Fig. 1,at the right-hand side of said figure. Plates 18 also serve to limit thedegree of outward movement of the respective pushbuttons 14, as shown atthe right-hand side of Fig. 1 and at the left-hand side of Fig. 2.

Each member 13 is provided at its lower end with an outwardly facingflange 12; which flange is recessed to accommodate a substantiallycircular, ring-shaped, flexible rubber washer or gasket 2t); whichgasket is adapted to be compressed into liquid-tight sealing engagementwith the outer surface of the peripheral wall portion of member 13, andwith the lower surface of panel 141 as illustrated in Fig. 1. Also, asshown in Fig. 1, each gasket is provided with a portion 20 of somewhatgreater width at the left-hand side thereof, and the inner edge of eachportion 20 is notched at 20 to accommodate the outwardly projectingintegral lug 13 formed on each member 13, to restrain the gaskets 2t)against rotary displacement.

The substantially rectangular contour of the flange portions 19 of thecast metal members 13 is best illustrated in Fig. 2; the width of eachflange portion 19 in this figure being shown as slightly greater thanthe vertical dimension, or length, thereof. The opposite vertical sidesof said flange portions (Fig. 2) are preferably provided with a pair ofdiagonally disposed relatively wide indentations or notches 19 and 19and with a pair of diagonally disposed relatively narrow indentations ornotches 19 and 19 at two corners thereof, as illustrated.

Flange 19 is likewise provided with a pair of diagonally disposedintegral lugs or spacers 19 and 19 (Figs. 1 and 2), and a diagonallydisposed pair of integral lugs or spacers 19 and 19 of the same spacinglength as lugs 19 and 119 but of substantially greater bearing area atthe inner ends of the former. Spacers 19 and 19 are respectivelyprovided with tapped openings l9 and 19 as shown on the flange portion19 of the lefthand member 13 in Fig. 2.

As shown, the left-hand metal member 13 in Fig. 2 is adapted to haveattached thereto-by fillister-head screws of the character disclosed insaid prior application, Serial No. 574-,828one or more switchhousingsone of which is indicated in dotted out ine at X in Fig. 1; itbeing understood that two or more of said switch housings may beattached to each other, one below another-for simultaneous operation bymeans of the left-hand pushbutton 14, as more fully described in saidprior application.

Assuming that the left-hand pushbutton 14 of Fig. 1 is in its normalupper extreme position, as shown in Fig. 4--wherein the metal plate 13is drawn to the dotted line (limit) position thereof illustrated, inFig. 1-and shown in full lines in Fig. 4; it will be understood that theupwardly projecting end portions 21 and 21 of the forked end 21 of slidemember 21 will be at the right hand positions thereof, respectively,shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2, and in full lines in Fig. 4. That is tosay,

said end portions 21 and 21* will then be in abutting.

engagement with the respective spaced right-hand edge portions 18 and 18(Fig. 2) of metal plate 18-, thus retaining the right-hand pushbutton inits partially depressed position, as shown in Fig. 4. Therefore uponinward pressing of the left-hand pushbutton 14 from its outermostposition shown in Fig. 4 to the position thereof shown in Fig. 1, saidside edge portions 18 and 18 will be moved downwardly along theaforementioned upwardly extending end portions 21 and 21 of forkedportion 21 of slide member 21 until the upwardly offset forked portion21 of slide member 21 is free to move to the extreme left-hand positionthereof (shown in full lines in Fig. 1 and in dotted lines in Fig. 2)under the biasing action of the spring-pressed, triplearmed, lever 22,which is pivotally supported by a pin 23 (Figs. 1, 2 and 4). Lever 22is' continuously biased for movement in a counterclockwise direction(Fig. l) by means of a coiled compression spring 24, shown in Figs. 1, 2and 4; said spring being interposed between a spring seat or abutment 25formed on a casting 25, preferably of a Zinc alloy, of the formillustrated in Figs.

1, 2 and 3, and the upper edge of left-hand arm 22" (Figs. 1, 2 and 4)of lever 22.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the casting 25 is provided with asubstantially cylindrical recess 25 extending downwardly from theabutment 25 and opening to the lower end of an integral extension 25formed on casting 25; said casting likewise having formed therein a slot25 which is adapted to permit oscillatory movement of lever 22 aboutsaid pin 23, one end of which pin is pro vided with a head, and theshank end of which is upset, as shown in Fig. 2, to permanently retainthe lever 22 in assembled position. The slot 25 includes a portion 25Fig. l, which opens to the flat surface 25 formed on casting 25, toaccommodate and provide for oscillatory movement of the relatively long,and tapered, middle arm 22 of lever 22.

After assembly of pin 26, spring 24 and lever 22 to casting 25byinserting and upsetting the shank end of pin 23the slide member 21 isseated upon the flat surface 25 of said casting, as shown; whereupon theflat, punched plate 28best illustrated in Fig. 3-is seated upon the flatsurface portions 25 25 formed upon the upper face of said casting; saidplate 28 being adapted to fit slidably between the upwardly projectingguide shoulder portions 25 and 2 5 at opposite side edges of saidcasting. Plate 28 is punched out as shown to provide a pair of legportions 28 and 28 at least part of each leg portion overlying a part ofslide member 21to retain the latter in proper position to be driven ineach direction by the arm 22 of lever 22.

Plate 28 is provided with a tapped opening 23 which is adapted toreceive the shank of a relatively long screw 29Figs. 2 and 3, whichscrew shank, before tightening of the same, permits sliding movement ofbase 25 to the desired point relatively to the right-hand end of flangeportion 19 in Figs. 1 and 2by reason of the relatively long opening 25",Fig. 2, according to the particular spacing of the cast metal members13, 13, in Figs. 1 and 2, in a given installation. Such adjustability ofcasting 25 relatively to plate 28 provides for insuring a properrelationship of slide member 21 with respect to the lefthand casting 13,and the parts associated therewith, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Thus, asillustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, the provision of the elongated slots 25and 25, affording clearance for the shanks of screws 29 and 30,respectively, enables adjustment of the parts either substantiallycloser to each other, or substantially farther apart, depending upon thedesired spacing of the aforementioned openings 11 and 12 in a panel 10or the like.

Also, as shown in Fig. 3, plate 28 is provided with two additional, butunthreaded openings 28 and 28 which are diagonally spaced from eachother a distance corresponding to, and alined with, the threadedopenings provided in the bottom projections 19 and 19 in theaforementioned flange 19. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 a screw 30, having arelatively short shank, is adapted to pass through the opening 28 andtake into the aforementioned tapped opening 19 in the projection 19 onthe flange portion 19 of the right-hand cast member 13.

A screw S il (Fig. 2), preferably of the same length as screw 29, hasits threaded shank freely insertable through the clearance opening 28provided in plate 28 (see Fig. 3), said shank having threaded engagementwith the aforementioned opening 19 provided in the downward projection19 of the right-hand flange portion 19 of Fig. 2.

Referring to Fig. 2, it is to be understood that the elongated opening25 is surrounded by a flat-surfaced, relatively high, flange portion 25;whereas the opening 25 is surrounded by a similarly fiat-surfaced, butsub stantially lower, flange portion 25 to properly accommodate theshanks of the respective screws 29 and 3 3 and to afford seats for theflat-surfaces of the screwheads, or for suitable lockwashers or thelike, such as shown at 31 in Fig. 1.

As will be understood, the purpose of the aforementioned slots 25* and25 is to provide for proper positioning of the interlocking elementscarried by the righthand casting 13, in Figs. 1 and 2, notwithstandingvarious different spacings of the openings 11 and 12 in the panel ormounting member shown in Fig. 1.

The portion 21 of slide member 21 is offset upwardly (Fig. 1) from theflat main body portion 21 thereof-as indicated at 21 -for slidingmovement in a plane parallel thereto, as best illustrated in Fig. 1; itbeing noted that the surface 25 of casting 25, as illustrated in Figs. 1and 3, is offset downwardly with respect to surface 25*; whereas theright-hand end surface 25 is further offset downwardly; thus minimizingthe resistance to sliding movement of slide member 21, and likewisereducing the amount of material in the casting 25.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the right-hand end of slide member 21 isprovided with a cut-out or notched portion 21 to afiiord properclearance between said slide member 21 and the slidable pushrod or pin26; which pin 26 is movable downwardly upon downward movement of theright-hand plate 18, as an incident to depression of the right-handpushbutton 14 (Fig. 1); said pin 26 thereupon acting against theright-hand arm 22 of lever 22, whereby the latter is rotated upon pivotpin 23, against the bias of spring 24, the upwardly extending middle arm22 thereupon withdrawing slide member toward the right, to permit theleft-hand pushbutton 14 to return to its upper extreme position, underthe bias of its associated coiled compression spring 16. As an incidentto upward movement of the plate 18 carried by said left-hand pushbutton14 the switch mechanisms within housing designated X will returnautomatically to their normal positions, respectively, whether bothswitch mechanisms are of the normally open type; or both of the normallyclosed type, or one switch mechanism of each type, as disclosed in saidprior application, Serial No. 574,828, filed March 29, 1956.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the shank of pin 26 is movable upwardly ordownwardly within an opening 25 of suitable size formed in casting 25;said pin preferably having an enlarged head portion 26* having a flatupper surface, to limit the degree of upward movement of said pin, andto insure proper driving engagement of said head portion with theright-hand arm 22 of lever 22.

The characteristics of the pushbutton elements shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3for control of switch mechanisms of the character herein contemplatedare believed to be apparent from the foregoing description. However,such operation may be further clarified by assuming that both theleft-hand and the righhand pushbuttons 14, 14 in Fig. l, are in theirnormal upper extreme positions, cor responding to the position ofpushbutton 14 at the righthand side of Fig. 1. Under such conditions, ofcourse, depression of the right-hand pushbutton 14 would per form nouseful function. On the other hand, if the lefthand pushbutton 14 isfirst depressed the plate 18 carried thereby will be lowered to the fullline position thereof shown in Fig. 1, to effect the circuit commutationprovided by operation of one or more switch mechanisms representeddiagrammatically at X in said figure, and interlocking engagement ofportion 21 of slide member 21 with the left-hand plate 18, asillustrated. The circuit condition or conditions thus provided will bemaintained pending release of the plate 18 attached to said left-handbutton 7. Such release is effected by merely depressing the right-handpushbutton 14 to an extent sufiicient to effect withdrawal of slidemember 21 out of overlapping engagement with said left-hand pushbuttonplate 18, whereupon the left-hand pushbutton 14 will be automaticallyreturned to its upper extreme position. Also upon release of theright-hand pushbutton 1.4 the same will be moved automatically towarditsupper extreme position.

As shown in Fig. 1, the supporting and guiding cast metal members 13, 13are attached to panel 16 by means of the internally threaded mountingrings 27, 27. We prefer to first completely attach the left-hand member13, Fig. 1, to panel 16, as shown. Thereupon the upwardly extending endportions 21 and 21. of forked portion 21 of slide member 21 are movedinto abutting en gagcment with the right-hand side edge portions of theplate 13 attached to the left-hand pushbutton 14. The right-hand castmetal member 13 may then be clamped or fastened to panel 16), as shownin Fig. l. The screw 30 (Figs. 1 and 2) which assists in retaining theplate 28 in position may be inserted and tightened, but the screw 3W ispartially threaded into the diagonally opposite recess 19 (not shown) inthe flange portion 19 of righthand cast metal member 13 (Fig. 2), but isnot tightened; it being understood that the heads of both screws 3il and29 are sutficiently spaced outwardly from casting 25 as to permit freesliding movement of said casting with respect to plate 23 and saidright-hand casting 13. That is to say, the slots 25 and 25' in casting25 freely accommodate the threaded shanks of screws 29 and 3%, to permitslidable adjustment of casting 25 relatively to the other parts of thecomplete device.

Thereafter the left-hand pushbutton 14 is fully depressed, so that theslide member 21 is free to move toward the left; and the casting 25 isthen slid toward the left until said slide member 21 is positioned asshown in Fig. l. Thereupon the aforementioned screws 29 and 30 may bedrawn tightly into position.

The parts shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6 may be assembled and adjusted in asubstantially similar manner, except that in the latter form of theinvention it is additionally necessary to insure proper intcrengagernentof the plate 33 (Figs. 4, 5 and 6) with the slot or kerf 35 in the rodor link 35.

After thus completely assembling the various parts as shown in Figs. 1,2 and 3, or Figs. 4, 5 and 6, one or more of the switching mechanisms(indicated at X in Figs. 1 and 4) may be attached to the flange portion19 of lefthand cast metal member 13, and to each other, as set forth inour prior application aforementioned.

As shown in Fig. l, the cylindrical upper end portion 1.3 of eachcasting 13 is provided with at least two lateral openings, one of whichis shown at 13, and another such opening (not shown) being spacedtherefrom in a counterclockwise direction around cylindrical recess 13at an angular distance corresponding to degrees displacement. Likewise,the mounting ring 27 is internally recessed at the lower edge thereof,as indicated at 27 in Fig. l; and each ring 27 is provided with at leastsix notches 27 in the lower edge thereof; to permit'drainage or escapefrom the cylindrical recess 13 of any oil, grease, or other liquid whichmay happen to enter the same; as more fully explained in our priorapplication, Serial No.

7 574,828. The circuit making and breaking parts of the switchmechanisms are thus protected against entrance therein of such foreignmatter.

In that form of our invention shown in Figs. 4, and 6 most of the partsare shown as identical with the corresponding parts illustrated in Figs.1 to 3, inclusive; and said corresponding parts have been designated bythe same numerals of reference as in the device of Figs. 1 to 3. Thusthe switch controlling plate 18 shown at the righthand side of Fig. 4,and in Figs. 5 and 6, may initially be identical with the plate 18 shownat the left-hand side of Fig. 4, and in Figs. 1 and 2. However, as bestillustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, plate 13 is provided with a pair ofrelatively small punched out openings, one of which is shown at 18 inFig. 5, to accommodate the shanks of a pair of relatively small rivets;the shank of one of which is shown at 18 in Fig. 5; and the heads ofwhich are shown at 18 in Figs. 4, 5 and 6.

As illustrated in Figs. 4, 5 and 6, the shanks 13 of the pair of rivetsare first passed through suitable openings provided in a flat, punchedsheet metal plate 33, of the substantially trapezoidal form bestillustrated in Fig. 6; said plate 33 having a notch or cut-out 33therein of slightly greater dimensions than the notch 18g adjacentthereto. 18 and 18 (Fig. 6} cooperate with a pair of parallel lugsformed integrally with casting 13, one of which lugs is shown at 17 atthe left-hand side of Fig. 4; which lugs restrain plate 18 againstrotary movement while permitting reciprocating movement thereof. Plate33 extends inwardly over a portion of the inner face of plate 13, inspaced parallel relationship thereto, as shown at the right-hand side ofFig. 4, and in Figs. 5 and 6; the spacing thereof preferably beingprovided by a pair of steel washers or rings, each designated by thenumeral 34, which respectively surround the shank portions of rivets 18Alternatively, the plate 18 may be provided with an integral inwardlyofifset portion or portions to function in the same manner as the plate33. The transversely extending straight inner edge 33 of plate 33 isadapted to be interposed between and engaged by the upper and/ or lowerwalls of a transverse slot or kerf 35 provided at one side of the upperend portion of a rod or link 35; which rod is preferably provided withan intermediate portion 35 of reduced diameter to insure adequateclearance between the same and slide member 21. Link 35 is verticallykerfed at the lower end thereof, as shown at 35 in Figs. 4 and 5, tofreely receive the right-hand arm 22 of lever 22; and said kerfedportion 35 and arm 22 of said lever are provided with alined openings,to jointly receive the shank of a headed pivot pin 36, the shank end 36for instance, of which may be upset or spun over, to retain said partsin assembled relationship.

As will be apparent, after the various elements are attached to casing(Figs. 4 and 5), the kerfed upper end of link 35 may be cooperativelyengaged with the forward edge portion 33b of plate 33, whereupon thecasting 25 may be attached to the flange portion of the casting 13, asshown at the right-hand side of Fig. 4.

With an arrangement of parts like that shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6, forexample, it will be apparent that either the right-hand pushbutton 14 orthe left-hand pushbutton 14 will be retained in a depressed position atany given time. Thus, if it be assumed that the left-hand pushbutton 14in Fig. 4 is first manually pressed to its inner extreme position, toeffect a desired operation of the parts of the switch mechanism ormechanisms, represented at X in Fig. 4, the slide member 21 will beautomatically moved to its extreme left-hand position (corresponding tothe position thereof shown at the left-hand side of Fig. l of thedrawings) to latch said left-hand pushbutton in its depressed position,while releasing the right-hand pushbutton, for return to its outerextreme position, under the bias afforded by springs 24 and 16,

As will be understood the pair of notches and through the linkageafforded by lever 22, link 35, and the aforementioned plate 33, attachedto plate 18 The device of Figs. 4, 5 and 6 thus not only indicates thecondition of the controlled circuits, but also indicates whichpushbutton was last manually operated.

As shown at the right-hand side of Fig. 4, and in Fig. 5, the opening 25in casting 25, is required to be of somewhat larger diameter in crosssection than the opening 25 shown at the right-hand side of Fig. 1. Thusthe casting 25 of Figs. 4 and 5 may initially be identical with thatshown in Fig. l, but having the opening 25 reamed out or drilled. to thediameter thereof shown in Figs. 4 and 5; or the casting 25 of Figs. 4and 5 may be initially cast to the form thereof illustrated.

We claim:

1. Pushbutton operating means for electric switches comprising, incombination, a cast metal member comprising a flange portion and aportion projecting therefrom, said last mentioned portion having anoutwardly opening recess and an inwardly opening recess formed thereinwith an integral wall portion interposed therebetween, of a flat punchedmetal plate partially overlying the inner surface of said flange portionand said inwardly opening recess, a second cast metal member overlyingthe major portion of the inner surface of said flange portion and ofsaid plate, a punched and stamped sheet metal slide member interposedbetween and slidably movable relatively to said first and second castmetal members and said plate and guided thereby jointly, said secondcast metal member having an integral inward extension, said extensionhaving a slot formed therein and at least partially opening to all sidesthereof, a one-piece, triple-armed lever positioned within said slot andpivotally supported withrespect thereto, spring means engaging one armof said lever to continuously bias the same for movement in onedirection, another arm of said lever having a driving connection withsaid slide member to normally bias the latter for movement toward oneextreme position, and a push-rod reciprocatably movable relatively tosaid second cast metal member and affording both a driving and a drivenconnection thereof with the third arm of said lever.

2. Pushbutton operating means for electric switches comprising, incombination, a cast metal member comprising a flange portion and aportion projecting therefrom, said last mentioned portion having anoutwardly opening recess and an inwardly opening recess formed thereinwith an integral wall portion interposed therebetween, a flat punchedmetal plate partially overlying the inner surface of said flange portionand said inwardly opening recess, a second cast metal member overlyingthe major portion of the inner surface of said flange portion and theinner surface of said plate, a punched and stamped sheet metal slidemember interposed be tween and slidably movable relatively to said firstand second cast metal members and said plate and guided jointly by saidsecond cast metal member and said plate, said second cast metal memberhaving an integral inward extension. said extension having a slot formedtherein and at least partially opening to all sides thereof, a flat,punched, triple-armed metal lever positioned within said slot andpivotally supported with respect thereto, spring means engaging one armof said lever to continuously bias the same for movement in onedirection, another arm of said lever having a driving connection withsaid slide member to normally bias the latter for movement toward oneextreme position, a manually operable pushbutton located within theaforementioned outwardly opening recess and spring-biased to a normalouter extreme position, means normally positioned within said inwardlyopening recess and connected with said pushbutton, a push-rod interposedbetween said last mentioned means and the third arm of said lever, andsaid last mentioned means being adapted for driving engagement with saidpushrod.

3. Pushbutton operating means for electric switches comprising, incombination, a cast metal member comprising a flange portion and aportion projecting therefrom, said last mentioned portion having anoutwardly opening recess and an inwardly opening recess formed thereinwith an integral wall portion interposed therebetween, a flat punchedmetal plate partially overlying the inner surface of said flange portionand said inwardly opening recess, a second cast metal member overlyingthe major portion of the inner surface of said flange portion and ofsaid plate, a punched and stamped sheet metal slide member interposedbetween and slidably mova- =ble relatively to said first and second castmetal members and said plate and guided thereby jointly, said secondcast metal member having an integral inward extension, said extensionhaving a slot formed therein and at least partially opening to all sidesthereof, a one-piece, triplearmed, lever positioned within said slot andpivotally supported with respect thereto, spring means engaging one armof said lever to continuously bias the same for movement in onedirection, another arm of said lever having a driving connection withsaid slide member to normally bias the latter for movement toward oneextreme position, a push-rod slidably movable relatively to said secondcast metal member and having a driving connection with the third arm ofsaid lever, a manually operable pushbutton located within theaforementioned outwardly opening recess and spring-biased to a normalouter extreme position, and a member normally positioned within saidinwardly opening recess and carried by said pushbutton, said memberaffording a driving connection of said pushbutton with said push-rod.

4. Pushbutton operating means for electric switches comprising, incombination, a cast metal member comprising a flange portion and aportion projecting therefrom, said last mentioned portion having anoutwardly opening recess and an inwardly opening recess formed thereinwith an integral wall portion interposed therebetween, a flat punchedmetal plate partially overlying the inner surface of said flange portionand said inwardly opening recess, a second cast metal member overlyingthe major portion of the inner surface of said flange portion and ofsaid plate, a punched and stamped sheet metal slide member interposedbetween and slidably movable relatively to said first and second castmetal members and said plate and guided thereby jointly, said secondcast metal member having an integral inward extension, said extensionhaving a' slot formed therein and at least partially opening to allsides thereof, a flat, punched sheet metal, triple-armed leverpositioned within said slot and pivotally supported with respectthereto, means comprising a coiled compression spring engaging one armof said lever to continuously bias the same for movement in onedirection, another arm of said lever having a driving connection withsaid slide member to normally bias the latter for movement toward oneextreme position, a manually operable pushbutton located within theaforementioned outwardly opening recess and spring-biased to a normalouter extreme position, a metal member having one end thereof normallypositioned within said inwardly opening recess and having a pivoteddriving connection with said lever, whereby said metal member and saidpushbutton are positively restrained against outward movement when saidslide member is positively restrained against movement to one of itsextreme positions.

5. In a device of the character described, in combination, a supportingpanel having a pair of openings formed therein in any one of a number ofspaced relationships to each other, a pair of like metal members eachhaving removable attaching means associated therewith to afford anoil-tight connection between the same and the respective opening in saidpanel, each of said metal members having an outwardly opening recess andan inwardly opening recess formed therein with a metal Wall interposedthere'between, each of said metal walls having an opening formedtherein, a pair of relatively short pushbutton members respectivelypositioned within said outwardly opening recesses, each pushbuttonhaving a metal rod rigidly attached thereto and extending inwardlythrough its respectively associated wall opening, a domeshaped,oil-proof, rubber diaphragm extending between each metal wall and therespective rod adjacent the inner surface of its associated pushbutton,a pair of coiled compress-ion springs each having its lower end inengagement with the lower end of one of said diaphr-agms and its upperend in engagement with the respective inner surface of its associatedpushbutton, a punched and stampe sheet metal plate permanently attachedto each of said rods within the respective recesses second mentioned,each of said plates acting to positively limit the degree of outwardmovement of its associated pushbutton under predetermined conditions, asan incident to the biasing effect of their associated springs, aspring-biased slide member continuously engaged with one of said plates,said slide member being normally engaged with a side edge of said lastmentioned plate when the pushbutton associated therewith is in its outerextreme position, said slide member being automatically movable intooverlying relationship to said plate upon a predetermined degree ofinward movement of said pushbutton, whereby the latter is latchedagainst outward movement, and associated means affording initialadjustment of the position of said slide member in accordance with theparticular spacing of said pair of panel openings.

6. A device of the character set forth in claim 5, wherein the otherpushbutton is adapted upon a predetermined degree of inward movement ofthe latter to forcibly retract said slide member, whereby said latchedpushbutton is free to move to its normal outer extreme position, underthe bias of its associated coiled compression spring.

7. A device of the character defined by claim 6, wherein, upon releaseof said latched pushbutton in the manner set forth, said slide memberalso acts automatically to restrain said other pushbutton againstmovement to its outer extreme position, for the purpose set forth.

8. In combination, a supporting panel having a plurality of openingsformed therein, at least two of said openings being arranged in any oneof a number of preselected spaced relationships to each other, a pair oflike cast metal members each having a flange portion formed integrallytherewith, each flan e portion being adapted to underlie the innersurface of said panel, a rubber-like gasket interposed between eachflange portion and the inner surface of said panel to provide anoil-tight connection therebetween, one end portion of each castingextending outwardly a predetermined distance beyond the outer surface ofsaid panel, said last mentioned end portion of each casting being shapedto positively lock the same against rotary displacement within therespective panel opening, said last mentioned portion having an externalthread formed thereon, an internally threaded mounting ring forcooperation therewith to secure the same to said panel, a pushbuttonpositioned within said last mentioned portion and spring-biased to anormal outer position thereof, a metal plate attached to the inner endof said pushbutton and ensageable with a part of said casting topositively limit the degree of outward movement of said pushbutton, apunched and stamped sheet metal plate slidably positioned inwardly ofsaid panel and spring-biased for continuous engagement with the platecarried by one of said pushbu-ttons, said slidable plate in one positionthereof engaging a side edge of one of said pushbutton plates to permitrelatively free inward movement of its associated pushbutton butautomatically moving into overlying latching engagement with such plateupon a predetermined degree of inward movement of its associatedpushbutton, means including a plurality of movable members associatedwith the plate of the second pushbutton and adapted upon a predetermineddegree of inward movement of the latter to positively effect retractionof said slidable plate, whereby said first mentioned pushbutton is freeto move to its normal outer extreme position, and means alfordinginitial adjustment of the respective positions of said plurality ofmovable members in accordance with the particular spacing of saidplurality of panel openings.

9. In combination, a supporting panel having a plurality of openingsformed therein, at least two of said openings being arranged in any oneof a number of preselected spaced relationships to each other, a pair oflike cast metal members each having a flange portion formed integrallytherewith at one end thereof, each flange portion being adapted tounderlie the inner surface of said panel, a rubber-like gasketinterposed between each flange portion and the inner surface of saidpanel to provide an oil-tight connection therebetween, the other endportion of each casting extending outwardly a predetermined distancebeyond the outer surface of said panel, said last mentioned end portionof each casting being shaped to positively lock the same against rotarydisplacement within the respective panel opening, said last mentionedportion having an external thread formed thereon, an internally threadedmounting ring for cooperation therewith to secure the same to saidpanel, a pushbutton positioned within said last mentioned portion andspringbiased to a normal outer position thereof, a metal plate attachedto the inner end of said pushbutton to positively limit the degree ofoutward movement thereof, a punched and stamped sheet metal plateslidably positioned inwardly of said panel and spring-biased forcontinuous engagement with the plate carried by one of said pushbuttons,said slidable plate in one position thereof engaging a side edge of saidone of said pushbutton plates to permit relatively free inward movementof its associated pushbutton but automatically moving into overlyinglatching engagement with such plate upon a predetermined degree ofinward movement of its associated pushbutton, said second pushbuttonwhen manually released being also adapted to move toward its extremeouter position under its bias and associated means aiTording adjustmentof the position of said slidable plate in accordance with the spacing ofsaid two panel openings aforementioned.

10. In a device of the character described, in combination, a panelmember having a pair of openings formed therein in any one of a numberof preselected spaced relationships to each other, a pair of likepushbutton supporting members non-rotatably positioned within saidopenings and otherwise held in fixed positions relatively to said paneland to each other, each of said supporting members having an outwardlyopening recess and an inwardly opening recess with a perforated wallportion between said recesses, a pair of pushbutton members respectivelypositioned within said outwardly opening recesses and spring-biasedoutwardly with respect thereto, each of said pushbuttons having a metalrod rigidly attached thereto and extending through the perforation insaid wall portion, a metal member attached to the inner end of said rodwithin said inwardly opening recess, said metal member and said inwardlyopening recess being cooperatively formed to restrain said metal memberagainst substantial rotary displacement within said recess, the metalmember associated with one of said pushbuttons being adapted to controloperation of one or more switch mechanisms positioned inwardly of saidpanel, a spring-biased slide member movable automatically into latchingengagement with said last mentioned metal member upon a predetermineddegree of inward movement of the pushbutton associated with the latter,to thereby prevent outward movement of said last mentioned pushbuttonunder its bias, means associated with the other of said pushbuttons andadapted upon a predetermined degree of inward movement thereof to effectretraction of said slide member, whereupon said pushbutton first de- 12pressed is free to move to its normal outer extreme position, andassociated means affording initial adjustment of the position of saidslidable plate to correspond substantially exactly with the spacing ofsaid pair of panel openings first mentioned.

ll. In a device of the character described, in combination, a panelmember having a pair of openings formed therein in any one of a numberof preselected spaced relationships to each other, a pair of likepushbutton supporting members non-rotatably positioned within saidopenings and otherwise held in fixed positions relatively to said paneland to each other, each of said supporting members having an outwardlyopening recess and an inwardly opening recess with a perforated wallportion between said recesses, a pair of pushbutton members respectivelypositioned Within said outwardly opening recesses and spring-biasedoutwardly with respect thereto, each of said pushbuttons having a metalrod rigidly attached thereto and extending through the perforation insaid wall portion, a substantially flat sheet metal plate memberattached to the inner end of said rod within said inwardly openingrecess, said sheet metal plate member and said inwardly opening recessbeing cooperatively formed to restrain said sheet metal plate memberagainst substantial rotary displacement within said recess, the sheetmetal plate member associated with one of said pushbuttons being adaptedto control operation of one or more switch mechanisms positionedinwardly of said panel, an independently spring-biased slide membermovable automatically into latching engagement with said last mentionedmetal member upon a predetermined degree of inward movement of thepushbutton associated with the latter, to thereby prevent outwardmovement of said last mentioned pushbutton under its bias, and meansincluding said independentl springbiased slide member and the plateassociated with the pushbutton first depressed to positively restrainsaid other pushbutton against full movement to its normal outer extremeposition pending a second depression of said pushbutton first depressed,to thereby positively indicate the sequence in which said pushbuttonswere operated.

12. The combination, with a cast metal member comprising a flangeportion and a portion projecting therefrom, said last mentioned portionhaving an outwardly opening recess and an inwardly open recess formedtherein with an integral wall portion interposed therebetween, of a fiatpunched metal plate partially overlying the in ner surface of saidflange portion and said inwardly opening recess, a second cast metalmember overlying the major portion of the inner surface of said flangeportion and of said plate, a punched and stamped sheet metal slidemember interposed between and slidably movable relatively to said firstand second cast metal members and said plate and guided thereby jointly,said second cast metal member having an integral inward extension, saidextension having a slot formed therein and at least partially opening toall sides thereof, a triple-armed lever positioned within said slot andpivotally supported with respect thereto, spring means engaging one armof said lever to continuously bias the same for movement in onedirection, a second arm of said lever having a driving connection withsaid slide member to normally bias the latter for movement toward oneextreme position, a manually operable pushbutton located within theaforementioned outwardly opening recess and spring-biased to a normalouter extreme position, and means carried by said pushbutton within saidinwardly opening recess, said last mentioned means having a continuousdriving connection with the third arm of said lever.

Robbins Sept. 12, 1944 Walton June 26, 1951

